Laura - Petplan Equine Ambassador
I choose to be with Petplan Equine because I know they will be quick, efficient and understanding when I claim.
The winter months have definitely been long and dark and the start to my 2018 season has been a bit of a ‘whiteout! It hasn’t all been doom and gloom though, with some successful and educational trips out with the boys.
Ransom has been busy getting his qualifying scores to compete at the Area Festivals this year. The weather has cancelled a few of our competitions but in our last outing he managed a personal best in the Advanced test which has made me realise how much more he has to give.
RANSOM IN THE SNOW
We have obtained half the qualifying scores needed at both Advanced Medium and PSG and fingers crossed when we get out again for some training we will be working towards our first Intermediate II.
RANSOM TRAINING IN BETTER WEATHER
Finley has been testing my nerves this winter with a series of injuries resulting in box rest and me being rather stressed. We have had to over come a bruised sole as well as some rather horrific scrapes after he went through his field fencing. Luckily we have bounced back each time and he is currently feeling fantastic!
I decided to try something new this winter and took him to compete in the Jumping and Style (JAS) at Wellington Equestrian Centre. He has never jumped indoors before and behaved incredibly well despite this; especially considering that we were competing very late at night. I was so pleased we completed in one piece!
As well as competing we have been busy training with Caroline Jeanne, continuing to improve in our jumping. The sessions have involved arena cross-country technique, gymnastic jumping and more recently two fab days cross country schooling at Tweseldown.
This was all in preparation for our first BE event at Tweseldown, which was abandoned due to the appalling weather conditions. As I had a plaited horse, I searched the powers of social media and found a local dressage competition that was still going ahead.
His first test in the Novice was beautifully executed which resulted in second place. The second test (Elementary) saw Finley wanting to head out on the cross country course! There were some lovely moments but his over enthusiasm meant our marks fluctuated – however we still managed third place.
Our latest competition was supposed to be an Arena Horse Trials. This yet again was cancelled! We therefore headed to a British Showjumping competition at Felbridge Show Ground to brush up on our skills.
Finely was amazing. We had an unlucky pole in the jump off of the 1.05m. He then flew round the Newcomers with a clear in the 1.20m jump off. Our biggest course to date. I am now feeling slightly more prepared for our first event at Gatcombe Horse Trials. Fingers crossed it goes ahead!
FINLEY FLYING THE LAST FENCE IN THE NEWCOMERS JUMP OFF
Nelson has been enjoying Arena Eventing this winter at Brendon Pyecombe Equestrian. We had been lucky enough to qualify for the South East Eventer League Championships which were held at the end of February. My fabulous pony went as fast as his little legs could carry us for a speedy clear and a third place!
He was also subjected to the ‘Beast from the East’ and the cancellation of events. We were supposed to be competing in our first veteran qualifier of the year. Here’s hoping we can find another one to go to.
NELSON WITH HIS THIRD PLACE ROSETTE
FLYING ROUND THE COURSE
I am thrilled that I have been selected to be a Petplan Equine Ambassador for the second year in a row. It is the most amazing opportunity, and I’m so thankful I get to share my 2018 journey.
I had a rather snowy meeting with the rest of the Petplan team in Cheltenham at the end of February. It was great to catch up with the old ambassadors and get to know the new ones. Here’s to an exciting year!